The rise of 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, reflects the aspirations of Nepal’s youth who demanded an end to corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance
Balendra Shah, popularly known as "Balen", has led the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to a decisive victory in Nepal’s general election, defeating veteran leaders including former prime minister K P Sharma Oli. The RSP, formed in 2022, secured 107 seats, signalling a generational shift in Nepal’s politics.
Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah (Balen) and his Rastriya Swatantra Party are heading towards a sweeping victory in Nepal’s general elections, breaking the dominance of traditional parties. Riding on the momentum of last year’s Gen Z protests against corruption and political instability, the 35-year-old leader is now poised to become Nepal’s next Prime Minister
